Pro kickboxing champion Joshua "Hollywood" Hancock has made his mark all over the country in the world of no-holds-barred cage fighting and kickboxing.

Special to The Mirror

Now, he plans to complete in K-1 style rules and international Muay Thai kickboxing. This is a more brutal style of kickboxing which consist of throwing knees and elbows as well as punches and kicks. There are no pads worn on the feet or shins, only boxing gloves.

The rules are a little different from American kickboxing. Leg kicks are allowed but Hancock said he can adapt.

Hancock recently returned to the ring on March 13 in Atlanta for his last American-style rules kickboxing match. Hancock faced Melvin "The Young Assassin" Gillivard in a five round pro bout. The match ended in TKO, and Hancock will prepare to move on to his next opponent.

Hancock had not competed since September of 2003 when he faced Ronnie "The Kid" Copeland for the Kick World Heavyweight title. Hancock has made many changes since September. He is now down to 180 lbs. and will compete as a middle weight.

He feels he will dominate this weight class since he is used to fighting the heavy weights and he is faster and leaner than before but just as powerful.

Hancock says he plans to make his mark in the rankings of Muay Thai as he did in American kickboxing.

Hancock trains anywhere from two to three hours a day and throws more than 1,000 kicks per workout to prepare for competition.

Currently ranked number No. 5 by the IKF Kickboxing Organization, Hancock says he will now complete for the WKA and ISKA and will face a whole new roster of fighters.

When asked why he wanted to make the change to International Rules, Hancock said "It's a new challenge for me and I've proven myself already in American Kick Boxing."

He still plans to return to The Caged Octagon later this year, but for now his sights are set on an International Rules Title and possibly some fights overseas.

Hancock's current record consist of 11 wins, 3 losses and 6 wins by knockout. His next fight is scheduled for April 10 in Atlanta.

His opponent will be Dan Anchetta from The Hardcore Gym in Athens. Anchetta is a King of The Cage Veteran and trained in Muay Thai. This should be a great test for Hancock in his first International Rules Match. This will be the main event of the card and will be televised by the WKA.